Coach: BRAD O’STEEN
7-4
OFFENSE
Every team enters the year in search of winning district championships and longs for the opportunity to play for something special in December; still yet the Cougars have embraced their mission “WIN THE DAY” to ensure success this fall and then see what opportunities will be available. The Cougars offensive unit returns six starters to the gridiron led by Xander Rhynes (5-11, 167, Sr.) who will be one of four players that coach Brad O’Steen has confidence to run the football including Brennon Riddle (5-11, 200, Sr.), Fisher Marr (6-1, 195, Sr.) and Caron Richardson (6-0, 191, So.) to give Ada additional speed and power. Replacing a three-year starter at quarterback has evolved into the probability of a two-quarterback system involving Kolten Carlock (6-0, 165, Jr.) and Brock Bulls (6-0, 182, So.). “They compliment each other,” said O’Steen. “Brock and Kolten give us a solid dual threat.” When the Cougars put the ball in the air, there’s plenty of speed and a go make a catch in a crowd mentality capable of big play results thanks to the skills of Deante Lindsey (6-2, 155, Jr.) and Lakievin Richardson (5-11, 175, So.) as well as Case Stafford (5-11, 162, Sr.) along with tight end Cord Coffee (6-3, 220, Sr.). Development on the offensive line has been a major focus during the offseason where Isaiah Hayden (6-1, 240, Jr.), Makir Sanusi (5-10, 172, Jr.) and Dawson Matthews (6-4, 240, So.) will open running lanes in the trenches as well as provide a solid pass protection. “Even though we lost a lot of productivity statistically, overall, we’re much improved and have the opportunity to be balanced this season,” said O’Steen.
DEFENSE
The Cougars defensive prowess will be strong and fast with the return of eight starters from last year. VYPE Top 100 nominees Fisher Marr and George Mattox (6-3, 197, Sr.) will patrol the middle from their inside linebacker positions where “M&M” combined for 182 tackles last season. Brock Bulls and Xander Rhynes will crash off the edge from the outside linebacker zone while nose guard J.B. Coyle (5-7, 175, Jr.) along with Cord Coffee, Dawson Matthews, Isaiah Hayden and Will Johnson (6-3, 190, Jr.) anchor play in the box. The Cougars secondary can cover a lot of ground and bring plenty of power on contact with Deante Lindsey and Case Stafford (5-11, 155, Sr.) at cornerback while Kolten Carlock and Chase Bailey (6-21, 163, Sr.) supply vision and physicality at safety. “Every player on defense can get off blocks and run to the football in a hurry,” said O’Steen. “Swarm and be physical is the approach by getting 11 helmets to the football ready to make contact.” After a season opener on the road, the Cougars will have the home field advantage playing their next four games at home. “We’re bigger, we’re faster and stronger on both sides of the football,” said O’Steen, “but you have to be in order to compete in Class 4A and in our district. You also need to stay healthy and then take advantage of your opportunities. For us that’s every day, just WIN the DAY.”
SCHEDULE
8-25 – at Durant
9-1 –vs. Ardmore
9-8 – vs. McAlester
9-22 – vs. Sallisaw
9-29 – vs. Hilldale
10-6 – at Madill
10-12 – at Stilwell
10-19– vs. Fort Gibson
10-27 – at Poteau
11-3 – vs. Broken Bow
